Parenthood (2010–2015) User Reviews

Flawed characters making hard choices.

[treedcub · 8/10 · 24 April 2010]

Not everyone is going to "approve." The characters make mistakes, sometimes behave irresponsibly, and are full of self doubt. In other words, this is great storytelling. Even if this show is slow to get its start, I hope the network has the foresight to keep it running, because programming of this emotional and moral complexity is a rarity.

Beyond the top notch writing, the acting is superb. These roles are demanding of actors. There are moments of comedy mixed in with real pathos, which requires a cast that has range and depth. Every single casting choice is pitch perfect, and creates a wonderful dynamic on the screen.

This series is well worth watching.

Hits every nail right on the head

[bloggergirl · 9/10 · 5 March 2010]

I actually was very skeptical of this show- at first glance, I didn't see how all these different people were possibly going to mesh with one another on screen (the last time I was this skeptical was seeing the teasers for 30 Rock... that should have been a clue!). After watching the first episode, I was impressed. Granted, there was a lot covered in the pilot, but that's how it is: they have to introduce everybody and what their story lines are in the first 60 minute episode. The "too much" feeling will undoubtedly calm down as we get wrapped up in individuals instead of the mass family group.

Each individual family deals with their share of parenting problems, including Grandma and Grandpa, and they hit every single parenting problem right on the head. We see good teens, bad teens, a kid with a developmental disorder (my son was diagnosed with a developmental disorder in 2009, and I gotta tell you, they absolutely nailed the feelings during the first 48 hours after the diagnosis), single parents, working parents, etc.

It's a good show, and you WILL see something of you or your family in it somewhere.

Well worth watching

[schnappi_croc · 9/10 · 31 March 2010]

I wonder why this program hasn't received the Emmy or Golden Globe nominations it deserves. The family members aren't perfect, which is one reason I love this show so much.

Even the "good guys (or gals)" make mistakes, just like we all do in real life. Each of the story lines is interesting, and every week I wonder where the writers will go with each story.

The younger actors in this series are impressive. Their acting is often subtle, which must be difficult for those who are so young to accomplish. The way they are portrayed is realistic, in that they are all likable in some way, but not so likable in others. As a mother, I appreciate the parenting difficulties which come along in this series, but I can also relate to the teenagers as they try to make sense of life. The character "Max" is truly remarkable.

Others who have commented have mentioned the high quality of the adult cast. I agree that they are all good, but I particularly like the work of Dax Shepard.

Stick with this show. These multi-dimensional characters will only get better with time.

Best Show

[bruce-714-141570 · 10/10 · 16 April 2010]

As a 50 something with grown children this show is so right on. The episode when they found out Max had a real problem was exactly how it went for my wife and I when we got similar news, and the reaction of the grandfather was also spot on. This show is happy, sad and everything in-between, just like real life. It is so good it will probably be taken off the air so that we can be exposed to more of the trash which makes up a lot of todays TV. I also think the brother and sister interaction is great, they can be mad and blow off steam without it becoming a federal case. The marriages are real as well, with different definitions of a good marriage and whats involved. My favorite part though is the relationship between the aunts and uncles and the kids, you treat your own children one way while watching out for the nieces and nephews. Great stuff

One of the few shows ever I'd class as "authentic"

[ToddTee · 10/10 · 26 May 2010]

A new show with Peter Krause and Craig T. Nelson in the cast demanded at least a look, though if it weren't for the DVR I might have passed on it since it's on at the same time as the excellent "The Good Wife". Fortuitous indeed that I did because it strikes me as pure genius in writing and casting.

This show makes me laugh. This show makes me weep. Most important, it makes me smile in recognition of so many scenes that I recognize as things that happened to or around me. Of particular note along this line are the times in family "discussions" when everyone is talking and no one is listening. I don't recall another show that has done this, and it's sooo true to life.

The casting matches the writing so well that I can't imagine another actor in any of the parts. This show is definitely in my all-time top 10; maybe even top 5. Do yourself a favor and watch "Parenthood".

I hate that Ron Howard

[deemo31 · 10/10 · 16 March 2010]

Actually, that's not true. This guy seems to turn anything into gold, and he does it with subtle style and class that you just do not see very often. This show is classic Ron Howard. It's very difficult for me to really "get into" a new show. Usually takes me several episodes or more. I was hooked on this show from the very first scene. The cast is just incredible. The acting is just as incredible. These actors seem as if they've been doing this show for years. You know how it is. Sometimes they have to ease into it together. Not so here. Or if they ARE easing into it, I can't imagine what's going to happen as the show progresses.

The plot is somewhat typical. Family matters. Adults moving home. Kids behaving badly. Or sometimes very well. Some tragedy. Some comedy. Lot's of people dealing with everyday problems from all different angles. I do not want to give anything away. All I can say is that if you watch this show, you are going to fall in love with or find you hate some of the characters right away. I already started hating one of them. But now I'm not so sure. It's just that kind of show.

Watch it. Trust me, you'll like it.

"I Want to be a Braverman"

[ametz-37-695862 · 10/10 · 25 April 2011]

Every Tuesday night, after the conclusion of Parenthood, my wife says to me sentimentally, "I want to be a Braverman!" NBC's mildly successful drama, Parenthood, utilizes its larger-than-normal cast (15 recurring characters) to create a realistic atmosphere that explores the deeper realities of being an American family. Each episode beckons the viewer to identify with one branch of the Braverman family tree. Do you see yourself as the successful oldest brother, Adam, who everyone in the family looks to for support and advice? Are you the single mother, Sarah, who is overcoming a failed marriage and the repercussions of the children's absent father? Or maybe you're Julia, the successful lawyer who's climbing her way up the corporate ladder, but all the while wrestling with the cost to her family? Then there's the black sheep Crosby, whose fear of commitment and settling down are challenged by the confident, aspiring mother of his child, Jazmin, whom he has fallen deeply in love with. Or, perhaps, your children are raised and now, as the patriarchs of your family you find yourself in Zeek and Camielle's position of watching your children parent and navigating the complexities of having an adult child (not to mention grandchildren) living with you in your home.

The story lines and issues dealt with in Parenthood bring the audience into the midst of some of today's most challenging issues. In its first two seasons, Parenthood has empathized with its audience's struggles in an incredible number of real life situations: job loss, Asperger's syndrome, raising a rebellious teenager, raising a teenage boy with his father absent, midlife crises, financial stresses after retirement, the reality of peer pressure, unexpected pregnancies, balancing your career aspirations with those of your spouse's, biracial dating, and infertility.

What has become a staple of Parenthood is the argument scene. Episodes of Parenthood regular contain two to three scenes of one of the families engaged in a loud, discussion/fight with multiple characters yelling at the same time. The argument scene seems so chaotic, confusing, loud . . . and realistic. Any family that has had their share of arguments will find a kindred spirit in the Bravermans of Parenthood.

In the end, Parenthood is about, well, just that . . . parenthood. The unique flavor that this particular show has brought to prime time is an honest look at the many dimensions of parenting - from the decision to attempt to conceive, to the toddler and primary school years, through the incredibly challenging teenage years, to the years of adulthood and being a grandparent. Parenthood has dealt with infertility to preschools to high school graduation and everything in between. Parenthood is about family. Through the all challenges mentioned above that come the Braverman's way, the one stabilizing force is their family.

One of the casualties of the postmodern quest for mobility and a borderless reality is the family. How very uncommon it has become to meet an extended family who all live within a short distance of one another! Parenthood offers the Braverman family to help calm that longing in us all. Zeek and Camille's house serves as the calming presence throughout the series. No matter what difficulty besets the family, when they are "home," everything seems right. It is difficult to imagine any of the Braverman's ever moving far from home.

While the verdict remains out on whether or not Parenthood has the legs of a lengthy run or not, it's first 35 offerings have proved to be a welcome addition to contemporary social commentary on the American family. While some of the specific challenges have certainly changed, at the heart of the Braverman family we see the same soothing presence that so many have seen in the past in the Huxtables, the Keatons, the Bradfords, and the original American family, the Cleavers, not to mention a host of other American television families.

Alongside my wife, we will strive to be Bravermans. Our family hopes to learn from the Braverman family as they seek to be the safe and reassuring base for everyone facing the challenges and shifting of life.

cry-TV

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 4 February 2015]

Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) and Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) are the heads of the Braverman clan. They have four children. Adam (Peter Krause) is the responsible businessman married to Kristina (Monica Potter). They and their daughter Haddie (Sarah Ramos) have to deal with Max (Max Burkholder) with Asperger. Julia (Erika Christensen) is a high stress lawyer married to Joel Graham (Sam Jaeger) with daughter Sydney. They seem to have everything. Sarah (Lauren Graham) is the struggling single mom to Amber (Mae Whitman) and Drew (Miles Heizer). Crosby (Dax Shepard) is the slacker music producer who finds out that he has a son Jabbar with Jasmine Trussell (Joy Bryant) which she just told him.

These are all terrific actors in characters that are so well written and developed over the years. They may as well be real family off the screen. It starts off with good family drama. It's not really dysfunction although there are lots of that. This family loves each other. The Asperger storyline is terrific and one of the few on TV that is done well. Somewhere alone the lines, this show became cry TV. Between split-ups, break-ups, cancer and general family drama, everybody on this show tends to tear up. The chemistry between everybody is the soul of this show.

Pilot Started Slow

[maryjane-jones · 10/10 · 24 April 2010]

The pilot started slow . . . but I stuck with it and now it's one of my FAVORITE shows. I LOVE the characters and I actually watch it twice a week. I know . . . I'm a weirdo. I make my husband watch it.

I think the writer did a very good transition from the movie Parenthood to the TV series. Although they have some similarities, it does contain the spirit. It's just a charming and funny family drama. I relate to the circumstances between the siblings. Reminds me of the challenges my sisters and their kids go through. This group of actors have incredible chemistry. This is sort of like the OUR THIRTYSOMETHING.

My only fear is every time I love something it gets canceled.

Overall good, but has its issues

[babyychelso · 6/10 · 6 March 2022]

Don't get me wrong, it's a good show and the majority of it is very positive and entertaining to watch. BUT some of these characters are just plain awful. Jasmine, Crosby's wife, and her family are so controlling and overbearing that it was painful to watch their scenes. The way Adam and Kristina parent Max, their autistic son, is problematic. I mean, Max literally harassed the girl he liked in school and Kristina praised him for it. It took the girl's parents threatening to take her out of school after he physically FORCED himself on her for them to realize that it wasn't okay. I truly hope that parents just finding out their child is autistic don't take this show as how to handle it. I understand that real life families contain awful people but some of it was just over the top.

Great Show!

[Sylviastel · 9/10 · 13 March 2010]

It's loosely based on the 1989 film, Parenthood, with Ron Howard and Brian Frazer. They previously tried to make it into series when it first came out. The show has a lot going for it like casting veteran actors and actresses like Lauren Graham who I saw in Guys and Dolls. She plays the unemployed, divorced daughter Sara who returns home with her two teenage children Amber and Drew. Amber's played by Mae Whitman who was great in "Thief." Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia play the parents and grandparents. They once played husband and wife in a television movie almost 30 years ago. The rest of the cast isn't familiar to me but they're doing a good job. They've changed the family's location from the Midwest to Berkeley, California. I like the Asperger's storyline where the ideal parents must accept and learn to cope with their son, Max, who wears a pirate costume and has unusual habits. The scene where Max's parents must come to terms with his Asperger's Syndrome was memorable. The comedy and drama are mixed together and it's a bit more realistic. I would hope this show does well in it's Tuesday night line-up.

Cry me a river

[pparolisi · 6/10 · 23 May 2019]

If Monica Potter cries one more time I will be forced to drink my own puke

Started off promising, didn't deliver.

[Blondepsychobrat79 · 2/10 · 14 July 2019]

The Bravermans would like to be seen as a family that stays together, when actually all they do is meddle in each other's lives and cry. We have Adam Braverman, the eldest who thinks he's a leader, but it's actually a control freak who removes his teenage daughter's door and gives her zero privacy as well as showing double standards for boys and girls. The knock-kneed actor with a hang to exaggerated gestures with his hands seems to think he's talking to toddlers, when in fact, it's his wife. His wife cries in every single episode, and likes to whine "Maaaaax" as interjections to any conversation. Their daughter Haddie is trapped in between the control freak parents, who say they raised their daughter well but refuse to trust her. Good going, parents. Sara is supposed to be the loser of the family, but is just Lorelai Gilmore 2.0 in exactly the same outfits. You can tell she has a romantic relationship with the guy playing her brother, not a good match and comes across creepy. She has too good a relationship with her kids to be a "loser mom", and is too likeable to be a loser. Her daughter Amber is supposed to be this tough kid, yet who constantly cries. Confusing character as she is respectful 98% of the time, and only if the writers want conflict, does she become a "naughty girl", but her character is inconsistent. Poor Drew is a victim of his mom's and sister's overbearing personality, a shy kid who seems like he just really doesn't want to be there and we can't blame him. Joel and Julia make good money as she's a lawyer and he watches the kid. Her dad makes comments about him being emasculated, which is far too 1950s. Besides, you can work part time if your genius daughter is in school. Instead, they adopt a boy and hover over him 24/7, because suddenly her job is not demanding anymore and you need 2 parents to ask a kid to turn off the TV. Cosby is my favorite as he's the only one consistent to his character. He's funny and authentic, despite being handed a kid who is 5 years old and the mom didn't even ask you if you want you be in his life before introducing him to you. Dangerous game. The parents are also a little stange, I don't think it was good casting. The dad is a veteran, old fashioned but still super involved in his kid's and grandkids lives. Camille is supposed to be hippiesque but is just a doormat in the end makes a whiny face 99% of the time. Everyone is over involved. One person goes to the hospital and everyone shows up with their small kids. In real life, you'd go on taking care of your kids and call or text to find out what's happening. But nothing is "real life" in this show. Everyone sleeping with their boss, a really hot girl hitting on Adam instead of Crosby, dads are seemingly more involved than moms and all the houses are always clean. The only realistic thing is the way people argue, everyone talking over each other instead of waiting for cues like they do in other shows. It does get annoying after a while though. There are better shows.

Maybe THIS time...

[aldo-renato50 · 10/10 · 9 March 2010]

The other reviewer (RobNels2000) needs to do his homework. "Parenthood" was originally conceived as a TV series, became a movie and then became a TV series! The 1990 series (Ed Begley Jr., Jayne Atkinson, William Windom, etc.) didn't work despite having some great talent behind it (Ron Howard and Brian Grazer plus at least five others credited as executive producers). Now it's back...new cast, same situations. Three generations and lots of subplots. A truly great ensemble (Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia, Peter Krause and Lauren Graham, etc.). Many people are going to compare this to "Modern Family" but "Parenthood" was around first...as a movie and TV series. Lauren Graham is doing very well stepping in for Maura Tierney...she got her training on Gilmore Girls. Craig Nelson, having been an military pilot, football coach and police chief, now gets to play a tough dad/granddad (although my dad could've given him some lessons). The venerable Bonnie Bedelia (many movies and TV series) has aged well to play the mom/grandmom. Add in Peter Krause ("Sports Night," "Six Feet Under," and " Dirty Sexy Money") and there's four solid actors right up front. The big difference between "Parenthood" and "Modern Family" is that "Parenthood" is more drama than comedy. Ironically, I've never been a parent myself but grew up with parents similar to Mr. Nelson and Ms. Bedelia. Let's give this series a few weeks and see where it goes. One suggestion...if and when Maura Tierney gets better, bring her on in a guest role as another daughter. I gave this a 10 for the ensemble and the plot lines!! NBC can go home again!!

Family at its finest

[jmaddin · 10/10 · 12 May 2013]

Parenthood is a great view point of the modern family committed to doing life together. Everything is not perfect, but they stick together. This series is not shy about tackling touch issues. Each episode is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Kleenex's should be kept near by.

One of my favorite scenes of this past year was when Victor was adopted. The 2 parents were scheduled to meet with the judge and Victor, but instead the entire family piles into the judges office. Not only is Victor becoming a part of this immediate family, but he is fully being brought into a much larger family and each member has a special loving thought for him. He is given a new identity marker of a last name and a whole lot of family members who care for him greatly.

Parenthood is a great return to quality television and I would put it in the category of must watch television.

Miles Heizer is a hidden jewel among an outstanding cast

[doodle47 · 10/10 · 23 April 2010]

Miles' portrayal of Drew, the disturbed teen on Parenthood, is right on the mark. He conveys so well the hopeless frustration of trying to deal with the well-meaning but insensitive, self-centered adults who cluelessly control his life and frustrate his ability to value himself as a person. I look forward to his performances, so I was disappointed that he did not appear in Episode 7 (April 13) and appeared only as a silent observer at Jabbar's party in Episode 8 (April 20). I wish to commend Jennifer Lare and Camille H. Patton for their brilliant casting of this fine show, and would like to encourage them to make more use of the untapped talent of Miles Heizer as his family forges boldly into an uncertain future that they may live up to the name they bear, the Bravermans.

The Good, The Bad, and Parenthood

[kjlevine · 4 March 2010]

I was very impressed with the Pilot of this show. I am glad Lauren Graham has the chance to do such emotional acting. I was kind of worried about her in this role, because i thought she was just going to act like Lorelei from Gilmore Girls. The bottom line is, she is great. Peter Krause is good just like he is good in everything he is in. Craig T. Nelson is just as good. Dax Shepard is pretty good along with the rest of the cast. The plots they come up with are mildly engrossing, but I am watching it because I like the characters. The story revolves around this single mother (Graham) who has to move back into her parents house along with her two kids. If you like to watch family dramas, than Parenthood is a must see!

Quality all over

[livingfortoday · 9/10 · 17 December 2012]

This is only my second review on IMDb. I rarely take the time to write them, but this show really deserves it.

It is not your typical family drama. I know, it might seem like it. You read that Lauren Graham is one of the characters and you get sceptical, if you see a couple of minutes of it here and there it also might seem like all the other bad family dramas you've watched. But it's not.

I really don't get why this show is being so neglected. I've never seen more brilliant performed drama. And yeah, I've watched all the most popular and critically acclaimed shows: The Wire, Six Feet Under, Mad Men, Sopranos etc. Loved them. But neither of these shows has the same degree of realism or the same emotional range (they have a lot of other huge qualities though). The acting is excellent. Superb in every way. The characters are multidimensional, they make mistakes and they go through their everyday problems. You will not see car explosions in this series, and people wont get killed every other episode. Every event builds up real slow, and maybe the biggest dramatic highlight in an episode is that one of the kids have trouble getting friends at school. But that's the beauty of it. It's in the little things.

You might not love it after one episode or two. But like all the best television series it develops best over time. This show has many of the best character developments I've ever seen. If you like quality drama - please give it a try. This show really really deserves it.

(And it only get's better with the seasons. I'm writing this after watching 11 episodes of season 4.)

"Parenthood"

[appgar1010 · 10/10 · 12 January 2011]

I have watched every episode and I love this show. The last episode really made me think about being a single parent and how Lauren portrays one and is able to help others with life trials. How she is handling it from all directions. I loved it when she said "Your kids are not you". WOW, that was great, I have never had anyone say it in that way before. So Thank you so much for everything you all put in to the show. I am impressed and excited to watch and will continue watching. I also loved the song Amber sang, made me cry because I can see my daughter doing this same thing and I love that. Thank You All for your Hard work and incite. Love, Love, Love this show.

This Show Grows

[ppiiaa22 · 8/10 · 31 March 2011]

I surprise myself, never thought I would review this kind of show. Not that it was ever bad, it just seemed like a run of the mill good quality TV-series that didn't need my input.

I don't imagine my input to be important, but after watching the last episode, I just felt compelled to voice my opinion. Wow, this is great TV, this is what family drama is supposed to be. I really felt involved after watching this.

The story lines are getting more real and very raw, the acting was always good, but now I truly believe in the characters. There is no sugarcoated bullshit, we actually never get a happy ending, we get a very troubled continuation. But there is hope.

I salute the writers and producers for not being stock!

Started off great

[gayathrisundaram · 6/10 · 3 March 2017]

After reading raved reviews, heard about binge watching by my friends, started watching Parenthood. Season 1 and 2 was great < I binge watched it, Season 3 I fast forwarded the whole season. each character become more annoying than ever, i didn't find anything funny about Lauren Graham. and Monica potter was getting on my nerves, My god, can't she stop being more annoying, now starting to fast forward season 4, it's pathetic.

family

[danielleisastar · 8/10 · 21 April 2010]

I thought this show was going to be another comedy about a family like "Modern Family" but looked worth watching because it had a good cast. I watched it and was surprised to see it was more serious but also funny. It is a really good show because it is different than other family shows. It has real life situations that families have to encounter so its easy to relate to and serious but funny at the same time. It is very entertaining and has a lot of twists that you don't see coming. Dax Shepard's character is really funny and plays a serious role at parts. The slight humor each character brings to the table makes the serious aspect of the show even better. It's only on its first season and I hope it continues after this season. In a way it reminds me of my crazy family and family is such an easy thing to make into a TV show because they can vary so much and have so much wrong with it but still fun at the same time. I really like this show and all its twists and I can't wait to keep watching it this season.

just love it !!

[levimir77 · 7/10 · 1 April 2010]

such an amazing cast ...love peter Krause and Lauren graham. so glad to see them on a good TV show again.

used to love Gilmore girls and six feet under .. both are really gifted actares.

real family situations and stories. not too dramatic and exaggerated. something almost all viewers can relate to.

got a bit tiered of all the paranormal/vampires shows that kept popping out on cable and networks.

i really hope it will be picked for the next TV season...

i'll just keep crossing my fingers and hope for the best.

Yelling and screaming

[dmurata1967-81-726388 · 2/10 · 26 August 2013]

Every single episode has yelling and screaming cross talking and just plain conflict, it's actually quite nerve racking! I thought this show would have been pretty good but season after season of cast members screaming at each other has lost my interest. Trying to listen to the over talking all the time can't make a successful show. I don't understand why anyone would want to listen to this non stop fighting. I feel the show could be so much better if there wasn't constant yelling. Especially several cast members yelling at the same time. I followed one of the actors over from six feet under thinking it would be worth watching but I am considering trying to find something with more substance to watch.

I love this show. It 's so real!

[pamelakhan · 10/10 · 22 December 2010]

This is my favourite show and can't wait to see the next episodes. I love the relations and the story lines. Having autism awareness in this show is absolutely brilliant. Please keep this show running for decades. There is a great mix of comedy and drama. The relation between the siblings is kept very real and at the same time, offers families who are not as close to their brothers/sisters to glimpse of what their relation can be. I love the way everyone just walks into each others offices and sits down and expects the sibling to stop working and listen to their problems. I love how the truths of autism and family struggles are portrayed. This is a winning show.